[Keeping his smart remark to himself is the best choice he could make. Pushing and pushing Alicent had her uncertain and afraid, but backing her into that corner would never fully work. Often the way to tame a wild bird or dragon was through persistence, gentleness and waiting. Duty and the Gods were one and the same for her, not straying far from the other. Breaking her duty meant breaking her oaths to the Gods, something she continually told herself since the last banquet with Daemon. There had been contrition, alms distributed and several long hours in prayer. Challenging that work, that belief, she would not take it well.

She lets his words remain, not about to challenge him over it either.]

Not nearly as important, but I have a role to play and the ladies of Noble Houses will likely have petitions for me as well. [The tedious things that a queen must do. She would be asked for placement for the young, unmarried daughters. She'd receive numerous candidates along the way, along with requests to foster children, give sons a place in her House or, at the very least, a knighthood. She would have far less than Viserys in terms of audiences, but she would have her share.

She near laughed in surprise.] The children remain behind, but Ser Criston is sworn to me. There will be two other Kingsguard staying behind with the children as well as their household.

Ser Criston will be at my side.